$5 Liberty Head Half Eagle

The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle, also known as the Coronet Head Half Eagle, is one of the most iconic gold coins in American numismatic history. Minted from 1839 to 1908, this coin features the renowned Liberty Head design by Christian Gobrecht and is highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.

Why is the Coin Famous?

The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle is notable for its long minting history and the classical design that represents the American spirit of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY," while the reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching an olive branch and arrows. The coin gained popularity for its aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and gold content.

Who Designed the Coin and Why?

The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle was designed by Christian Gobrecht, the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Gobrecht was tasked with creating a design that would symbolize the values and ideals of the young American nation. The obverse side of the coin features Lady Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, while the reverse displays the American Bald Eagle, representing strength and vigilance. These elements combined to create a coin that reflected the nation's pride and aspirations.

Coin Specifications and Symbolism

• Weight: 8.359 grams
• Gold Content: 90% gold (0.24187 troy oz of pure gold)
• Diameter: 21.6 mm
• Thickness: 1.59 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle was minted at several mints, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D). These mint marks can be found on the reverse side of the coin, below the eagle.

$5 Liberty Head Half Eagle Coin Value

Some $5 Liberty Head Half Eagles, depending on their condition (e.g., MS60 or MS65) and rarity, can carry significant value over their melt price. The following are some of the key dates and mint marks that are particularly valuable:

• 1841-O: Known for its low mintage and rarity.
• 1854-S: The first year of production at the San Francisco Mint, with very few surviving specimens.
• 1875: A very low mintage year, making it one of the rarest in the series.
• 1887-S: Scarce in higher grades, adding to its numismatic premium.
• 1901-S: Another low mintage coin that is highly sought after in good condition.

The coin contains 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold, so its intrinsic value is based on today's gold price. However, numismatic premiums can significantly increase the coin's value, especially for rare dates and mint marks.

The $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle is a historically rich and collectible American gold coin, renowned for its beautiful design and the period it represents. With values influenced by both the price of gold and numismatic rarity, this coin is a prized possession for collectors and a solid investment for those interested in American history and gold.

$5 Liberty Half Eagle Gold Coin Auctions